The weekend was exhausting.
Jessie had taken it upon herself to transform me into the perfect girlfriend.
I had to learn how to talk, walk, laugh, and carry myself like I had been born into wealth. How to sip champagne without looking awkward, how to maintain eye contact just the right amount, how to smile without seeming too eager.
It was ridiculous.
But after the way Mrs. Kim had looked at me—like I was insignificant—I couldn't just let it slide. If she thought I wasn't good enough, I was going to prove her wrong.
And to top it all off? Hyunjin and I even got matching outfits.
Never in my life did I think I'd be that girl, coordinating clothes with him. But if it meant making Mrs. Kim—and especially Seoyeon—eat their words, then fine.
She was going to lose it.
The Night of the Party
I stared at my reflection in disbelief.
My stylist had gone all out.
The midnight blue satin gown draped over my body like liquid silk, the off-the-shoulder neckline exposing just the right amount of collarbone. The fabric clung to my waist, emphasizing curves I didn't even realize I had, before cascading down to the floor in an elegant flow. A thigh-high slit ran up one side, revealing just a teasing glimpse of skin when I walked.
My hair had been styled in soft waves that tumbled down my back, framing my face perfectly. The makeup was bold yet sophisticated—smoky eyeshadow that made my eyes look bigger, highlighter that caught the light every time I turned, and deep red lipstick that screamed dangerous.
I looked... expensive.
And then—
Hyunjin walked in.
I swear my heart stopped.
He wore a sleek black double-breasted suit, the tailored fit hugging his frame perfectly. His crisp white dress shirt contrasted sharply against the dark fabric, the top button left undone just enough to give him that effortless charm. A midnight blue pocket square peeked from his jacket—matching my dress.
Even his hair was styled differently. A little tousled, a little too perfect.
And when he saw me—
His footsteps faltered.
For a second, he just stood there, eyes dragging over me like he was taking in every detail.
Then, a small smirk curled at the edge of his lips.
"You look amazing."
His voice was low, smooth—intimate in a way that sent an unexplainable shiver down my spine.
I opened my mouth, but no words came out. What was I supposed to say?
He extended his hand. "Shall we?"
And just like that, the night began.
The Kim Mansion
If I thought Hyunjin was rich, this was another level.
The Kim estate was massive, standing like a palace under the soft glow of golden lights. Expensive black cars lined the long driveway, uniformed valets moving swiftly as they opened doors and escorted guests inside.
Inside, it was even more breathtaking.
The entrance led to a grand ballroom with towering ceilings, a chandelier so massive it looked like it belonged in a castle. Every surface gleamed—polished marble floors, ornate gold detailing along the walls, velvet drapes that framed the floor-to-ceiling windows.
